VALUES:
Oneness
We are one people unequivocally united by our shared humanity. When we dissolve the social and political barriers between us, we open a path to collective empowerment. Our commitment to the Golden Rule, to treating others the way we want to be treated, will determine to what extent we remedy the myriad of social issues facing our nation.
Truth
As individuals we must be willing to use our higher faculties of reason, critical thinking and keen observation to cut through myths spun by self-interested institutional powers. Should we wish to create a more free society, we must dedicate ourselves to understanding the world as it is, but also boldly strive to manifest our deepest passion for what what we may become.
Equality
We all have an equal right to be treated with human dignity and respect no matter our age, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or nationality. We are not meant to have power over one another, but to empower one another. Dedication to equality requires us to release all oppressive beliefs and practices.
Peace
We must be vigilant in our quest to cultivate a culture of peace at home and abroad. So long as we believe a path to peace is impossible, it will not appear before us. Therefore, we must hold peace steady in the forefront of our hearts and minds to open new channels of communication and understanding between ourselves and others. This requires us to meet conflict with wisdom and compassion so that we may be equipped to disarm anger and aggression with non-violence.
Freedom
Freedom is found within when we rid ourselves of thoughts, ideas and beliefs obstructing us and others from recognizing and realizing our greatest potentials as individuals and as a society. To me, the role of government is to rein in abuses and foster a social environment where we can explore, create, associate and experience life fully without the threat of harm or exploitation.
Sustainability
Long term sustainability must be considered in all our decision making. Short sightedness can have damaging consequences to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a nation. If we are smart, we learn from history, from observing what works and what doesn't, and ask always, "Is this sustainable?" This is especially important as we look to the economic and environmental challenges our nation faces moving forward and how we may choose to address them. Let's be sure we're making big picture decisions to ensure an abundant future for the next generation.
